UPDATE: Elkmont Campground Reopens

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Elkmont Campground, Little River Road from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, Upper Tremont Road, and Wear Cove Gap Road have all been opened. Little River Road from Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area to the Townsend Wye will remain closed due to down trees and rocks.

Overnight, the park received heavy rain at high elevations across the park including 2.54 inches of rain recorded at Clingmans Dome. Over a 6-hour period, Little River rose approximately 6 feet above the normal level at the Townsend Wye. The park continues to monitor flood waters across the park.

Trails remain open at this time. Hikers are advised to use caution throughout the park especially on trails with stream crossings.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the temporary closure of Elkmont Campground, Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, Little River Road, Upper Tremont Road, and Wear Cove Gap Road. Park Rangers started evacuating campers at approximately 9:00 a.m. Of the 220 campsites at Elkmont Campground, 196 campsites were reserved last night along with 3 group campsites. Campers have been evacuated to Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Overnight, the park received heavy rain at high elevations across the park including 2.54 inches of rain recorded at Clingmans Dome. Over a 6-hour period, Little River rose approximately 6 feet above the normal level at the Townsend Wye. The park continues to monitor flood waters across the park.

The campground, picnic area, and associated roadways will remain closed until flood waters have receded and park crews have assessed facility conditions. Trails remain open at this time. Hikers are advised to use caution throughout the park especially on trails with stream crossings.

For more information on road closures, please follow SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter.